KEF R3 VS LS50 || Kef R3 Review and Kef LS50 Review | Hifi Speakers Compared

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  • Опубліковано 6 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 48

  • @propercushty
    @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

    *PART 2 OF THIS VIDEO COMING TOMORROW* (LIVE SOUND DEMO) - MAKE SURE TO CHECK IT OUT!
    *I AM NOT A PAID UA-cam REVIEWER* - EVERYTHING I SAY IS MY HONEST OPINION AND NOT INFLUENCED BY ANYBODY IN ANY WAY.
    SUBSCRIBE IF YOU ARE SICK OF ALL THE LIES IN THE HIFI INDUSTRY AND WANT SOME DOWN TO EARTH REVIEWS!
    IF THIS VIDEO HELPED AT LEAST ONE PERSON, PLEASE DO LIKE THE VIDEO!
    YOUR COMMENTS AND OPINIONS ARE WELCOMED AS ALWAYS!

  • @juanmillaruelo7647
    @juanmillaruelo7647 3 роки тому +4

    Kef LS50 is a 2 way concentric. (two drivers) R3 is a 3 way.

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      yes it's a two way coax design..did I say something different in the video lol? - sorry sometimes when you talk off the cuff you can make the odd mistake 😆

  • @johnsimpson8187
    @johnsimpson8187 3 роки тому

    I am also striving for that perfect sound. I wonder if you and your friends have considered looking into some room correction techniques and/or different speaker placement tests/considerations. For example, pulling a speaker that has too much bass out into the room, away from the back wall.

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      Hello - thanks for the comment!
      I don't know if you noticed in the video, but the R3s were miles away from the back and side walls. We tried many positions but the room (like many rooms) is just a bit problematic with a particular frequency. Unfortunately, I wasn't really running this channel at the time, otherwise I would have taken some more footage.
      Yes, certain things can be improved with room correction techniques like DIRAC - it is something that I (and my relatives) have considered. From my experience though it is really a last resort. Every version of DIRAC (or the like) I have tried has the tendency to ruin the trebles and the midrange. For bass I believe it is better to have it if you must- but one would need the amplifier with the function built in, or alternatively place some sort of device like a DSP between the amp and the speaker. This all becomes very costly and time-consuming when you add it up. Bass traps could also work to a degree.
      I suppose my review was based on setting up the speakers and running them raw so to speak.
      This is why I have a Linkwitz LXmini sound system..you can just run them raw and they sound perfect to the ear! Out of interest, did you see my video on those speakers? (link below if of interest)
      ua-cam.com/video/zjuAEX4-Op8/v-deo.html

  • @jimji2774
    @jimji2774 3 роки тому +1

    Man Tech: Great review but I almost turned it off when you said the LS50 is a single driver. Glad I stayed with it. Thought you might like death metal or something by your appearance and now I hear you play violin shame on me. Nice review I learned a bunch. Have you demo'ed the Wireless version of the LS50's yet ? I think it is still mostly similar sound to the regular LS50 and meta

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      lol Jim :D. I assure you I did mean it was two-way coax design. I think I was referring to the fact the audio came from a single point and thus has some advantage when it comes to lobing, as oppossed to the R3 multi-position layout
      Haha yes I do play violin - there's no shame in death metal. All genres have some good pieces...just some more than others...in cases like death metal, way less than others 😂
      I have heard a wireless version, yes - but not in my home. To me it sounds very similar like you say - like the LS50 Meta I recently tested running through my Hypex nCore Class D

    • @jimji2774
      @jimji2774 3 роки тому +1

      @@propercushty yeah we know you meant that now. Funny I can't even find a dealer to demos any Kefs except low end models around here. Keep up the good reviews

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому

      @@jimji2774 Thanks Jim! That's sometimes what happens when you do a review 'off the cuff' (with some very vague notes) as it were. Watching it back just now, I cringed when I heard myself make that mistake!
      Shouldn't really have made that error as in the background you might notice my Linkwitz LXMinis which use full-range drivers (and I love them by the way).
      FYI, when I heard these speakers the demo was from Nintronics which is in the Hertfordshire area. Don't know if it helps but they had both LS50 and R3 when we tested.
      Where abouts are you roughly?

  • @jaejung1267
    @jaejung1267 3 роки тому

    Nice review. I found your take on those two speakers similar to mine. What speaker in that range would you recommend that is musical and with less spikes in comparison to the KEF LS50. Thank you

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому

      Well if we are talking about price, then I would recommend the Wharfedale Evo 4.2. Their sound is big lime the R3s but maybe a less bright and more enjoyable than the LS50.
      If you are after a set of speakers that is a similar size to the LS50, then the Monitor Audio Studio is worth a go 👍.
      There is also a coaxial speaker by Technics which are hear great things about (it's a rival to the LS50 but i forget the mode number).
      If you want something musical and upbeat, then perhaps something like Dali Opticon 2 👍

  • @Miguel8131981
    @Miguel8131981 3 роки тому +1

    Hey buddy thanks for your opinion on the KEF R3 speaker. I just so happen to have the B&W 606 speakers you mentioned in your video paired with a Yamaha A-S801 amplifier. I am happy with this combo but I am interested in purchasing the KEF R3. How does the sound quality of the KEF R3 speaker compare to that of the B&W 606 speaker?

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +2

      Hello buddy thanks for the feedback!
      So I am assuming you have the 606 original and not the S2 version that's been released recently?
      If we are talking about the 606 original, then I would say overall the R3 is the better loudspeaker. It has more of a grown up sound to my ears; the 606 has an odd treble signature that doesn't quite match the midrange. The midrange is quite full and rich, whereas the treble is very thin by comparison..it almost sounds like it isn't coming from the same speaker. I felt this problem with the old B&W 685 I used to own years back. The bass on the R3 is also deeper and has more of a nuance about it.
      I remember the B&W 606 had a pleasing sound to it when it came to pop music in particular (in some cases preferable to KEF) - but as soon as you throw acoustic music or live vocals in there, the sound wasn't quite right from the 606.
      However, the R3 wasn't the best to my ears either..I would take the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 over both the R3 and the B&W 606!
      Have you considered those?

    • @Miguel8131981
      @Miguel8131981 3 роки тому +1

      @@propercushty Thank you for your thorough reply buddy. I have considered the Evo 4.2. I do like them and I did own the Wharfedale diamond 225 speakers. I did like the 225 speakers very much until they busted one morning when I played them too loud. If I were to buy another Wharfedale speaker, I would probably buy the larger Linton speakers. Thanks again for your reply.

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      @@Miguel8131981 Ok fair enough!

  • @jakegibson6096
    @jakegibson6096 Рік тому

    You held up the headphones and I was like oh no. I played with them headphones once and they didn’t sound right to me.

  • @hclandscapes
    @hclandscapes 3 роки тому +2

    In my experience the entry level yamaha amplifiers are bright and thin sounding and would be a poor match for the ls50's

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому

      Maybe the ones under £4-500 but the AS-801 doesn't sound thin paired with other speakers (wouldn't call it entry level myself...more of a mid-ranger). It is just the sound signature of the speakers themselves. I have heard the LS50 through other amplifiers..it is just I heard both R3 and LS50 via one amp in common which was the AS801. I have also tried the LS50 using a Hypex nCore NC252 amp which is basically as neutral an amp as you can get!

  • @cynthiamaree8571
    @cynthiamaree8571 3 роки тому +2

    I have owned the LS50's and I can say neutral they are not. They are very high in the treble and midrange can be great, but the bass is lacking for what it is, and the treble overpowers the bass and midrange on some tracks. I never found the midrange subdued. The LS50 is a highly analytical speaker. The LS50 is room and set up dependant and for long-term listening with multiple music genres, a subwoofer is a must, but a fast one that can match the LS50's. Overall I could no longer do the LS50's and sold them. They are a great short-term wow speaker, but for me not a long-term keeper.

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому

      yeah I agree with you there - I think I found the lower mids like male voices a little recessed or something like that. It overall seemed like a lump response that my ears just didn't like

  • @benjaminpaulh5249
    @benjaminpaulh5249 3 роки тому +1

    Base is non directional (no such thing as off axis base )

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      don't recall saying that exactly - also bass response changes dramatically from position to position in the room. Some positions sound boomy, some positions sound perfect, some positions sound anemic

  • @totalplonker824
    @totalplonker824 3 роки тому +2

    I also didn't like the KEF ls50
    I found them way too bright for my liking... Is it just you and i or it the younger generation who seem to prefer brighter speakers nowadays?
    I love listening to how you explain things, it just seems to carry a lot more weight knowing is coming from a professional musician!

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +3

      I think it's just brain trickery mate. I think when you go to the speaker shop, the speaker that sounds bright and 'clear' is the one that stands out. When you then switch back to your speakers, they suddenly sound like they're missing treble. Your brain adapts and makes the other speakers sound less clear (your brain basically EQs sound for you without you realising it lol!). It's almost like if you add sugar to your tea..you suddenly get used to that sugar and you can't go without anymore..I think us Brits are all guilty somewhat of that 😁 (10 sugars or 12?)
      When you bring the speaker home and test it for prolonged periods in your listening environment, your ears will tell you something isn't right, because usually they start to hurt! My ears actually went red when I was testing the LS50s lol. I also care alot about my ears, so I am naturally sensitive to loud noises and certain frequencies.
      I've been known to go to the club in the past with ear plugs on board 😂 - yes I'm one of those sorts of people! But once your hearing is gone, it's gone!
      Thanks for the kind words mate..means alot!

  • @MustyRusty5
    @MustyRusty5 2 роки тому +1

    The audio popping is brutal

  • @richarddegannes2928
    @richarddegannes2928 2 роки тому

    Hello, Between KEF LS50 Meta and R3 on speakers stands, which one would you recommending for a room that is 19 ft long x 13ft wide x 10-14ft high with a lot of furniture and furnishings? Which one is easier to drive with a Parasound A23+ amplifier? Thanks in advance. I am also opened to any other brand of speaker that you would like to recommend in the same price point,

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  2 роки тому +1

      R3 will be easier to drive than LS50 as it's a more efficient design. To fill that large(ish) room I'd go R3 if you like to have the ability to turn the speakers up every now and again.
      At that price point I do really like what the R3 brings to the table with its 3-way design.
      - Another model you can test is the Buchardt S400 (but a bit more expensive).
      - Saving a bit of money, you could also go on ebay and look for the previous generation R300 which is also very good.
      - Slightly lower in price is the Wharfedale Evo 4.2.
      - You also have the Arendal 1723 range of bookshelf speakers which will be the most dynamic sounding of pretty much anything in that price range.
      - Monitor Audio Golds are also very pleasant
      - Same can be said for Dali Rubicon 2
      I'd try and put some of these on your shortlist. It also very much depends on your personal tastes really. It also depends on what you'll be using the speakers for (music, movies, music genre etc)

    • @richarddegannes2928
      @richarddegannes2928 2 роки тому

      @@propercushty Thanks for reaching out. Much appreciated.

    • @richarddegannes2928
      @richarddegannes2928 2 роки тому

      @@propercushty Thanks for reaching out. What are your thoughts on KEF Reference 1 speakers? Any good?

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  2 роки тому

      @@richarddegannes2928 Unfortunately I have never tried those - however I believe it's using the same mid coax driver as the LS50. Unlike the LS50's setup, the Reference 1 will be crossed over (probably around 2-300hz I imagine). That's likely to decrease distortion even further.
      So my estimate is it is likely to be very good - but is it worth 5 or 6x the price of the R3? I think probably not with average room acoustics and setup. I think if it's in a living room this is most likely going to be the case.
      Another option is the Dali Epicon 2 which I do love the look of.
      I think if you're in that price range you really have to check out the B&W 805 D4 too. It might be at a disadvantage compared to the Kef Reference at loud volumes (as it lacks the cabinet size and the extra driver) - but with certain types of music at medium volume it should be a better competitor.

    • @richarddegannes2928
      @richarddegannes2928 2 роки тому

      @@propercushty Thanks for reaching out. What is your take on the Bluesound Node 2021 model as a streamer vs Pro-ject Stream Box S2 Ultra?

  • @allanlangille646
    @allanlangille646 Рік тому

    Bass is non directional, yet he talks about off axis bass roll off???

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  Рік тому

      it's only non-directional up until about 60hz...you turnip!

  • @rafau99
    @rafau99 2 роки тому

    15min r3, 3min ls50, ok

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  2 роки тому +2

      lol yeah - have a good christmas

  • @Sunshine_Superman
    @Sunshine_Superman 3 роки тому

    Just traded in my R3's, they went back today after 2 years mostly happy use. I liked them a lot more than the Harbeth P3ESR's they replaced. Just more of...everything!
    Think that's a pretty fair assessment you've given. The KEF's could sing but I could never make them quite disappear. Bass was good on about 95% of the music I listen to but I'd have that 5% where the bass was boomy and I could never quite dial it in. After I went class D I was finding the KEF's just a bit too neutral and wanted more musical speakers.
    Overall I was pretty happy with them though and I'm a little sad to see them go.
    Is that Mordaunt Short Genies I saw in a couple of the pics? I still have a pair that I use as front presence speakers in my A/v setup.

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the feedback! I do try to be as fair as possible, even though some try to paint me as a KEF hater lol.
      Yes, that is exactly right..just as you say 'could never make them quite disappear'. That is exactly what I thought after prolonged listening..they were always 'too present' and didn't get the foot tapping so to speak.
      Oh, you went Class D? A controversial choice for most 'audiophiles' - these modern Class D designs are really good, especially those from the likes of ICEpower and Hypex nCore. They are so neutral that they expose the speakers for what they really are.
      Not surprised you were a little sad to see them go..I did admire them after spending a couple of days with them (even though they weren't my cup of tea). I guess it's because they are a pretty unique design in the industry. The only thing that comes close within this sort of price range is the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 (excellent alternative and alot more musical to my ears) and the Buchardt S400 (too bloody expensive last time I checked).
      Yes, they are the Mordaunt Short Genies (Good spot)! That was my uncle's house - he got them in 2007-2008 I believe. He just won't get rid of them as he loves them to bits! I, too, think they have aged beautifully..Mordaunt Short is just one company I am still very sad to see has disappeared. I believe they may have been acquired by Cambridge Audio (or the audio conglomerate that they are apart of..something dull like that lol).
      Do you remember the Mordaunt Short Performance series? Now, that's my kind of speaker! You could use that design today and it would still turn plenty heads!

    • @Sunshine_Superman
      @Sunshine_Superman 3 роки тому

      @@propercushty This time last year I decided to move from seperates to an all in one (except for a cd transport). It's an excellent wee all in one but I felt it lacked a bit of oomph so was looking at cheap but good amps to beef it up and that got me interested in class D.
      Bought a relatively inexpensive wee icepower amp as an experiment. Worst thing I ever did lol, it started me on a shameful upgrade path. Even the wee icepower amp got upgraded to an amp with Purifi modules within 2 months. I have no issue with class D. Wonderfully transparent, clean and powerful when done right and with some sensible system matching.
      I'm not that familiar with the Performance range. I was having a look online, aesthetically they aren't my cup of tea. Saw someone still has Performance 2's still in stock though...for 2 and a half grand!

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому +1

      @@Sunshine_Superman Tis the curse of audiophilia buddy! Enough is never enough.
      Yeah I guess the Performance is again, a love or hate kind of speaker (did you see the Performance 6 in black?). I absolutely love them (love the exposed tweeter at the back but it looks like it could be dangerous lol...also love the curves).
      2 and a half grand is ridiculous for the 2...I'd never pay that!

    • @Sunshine_Superman
      @Sunshine_Superman 3 роки тому

      @@propercushty ha ha yeah, I was thinking hmmm, someone's driven a big spike through that speaker. I like the aesthetics of the KEF Blade. Very sleek looking, any floorstander is probably too big for my listening room though. Saying that I've got Zensor 7's in a way smaller room for my A/v system and they just work...probably because I don't play much music through them!

    • @propercushty
      @propercushty  3 роки тому

      @@Sunshine_Superman yeah the Kef Blades are spectacular looking things! And the Muons if you have seen those!